Earlier today I introduced you to Ruth and Mike the first of our new Boho couples who will be writing for the blog over the next few months. It’s now time to introduce you to our second couple Jo and Paddy. Please make them feel welcome.

Joanne Foote & Paddy Smyth

Wedding Date: 12th September 2015

Location: Kingshill barn at Elmley Nature Reserve in Kent – The barn and setting fits in well with our plans of having a relaxed and informal day outside. Paddy is a tree surgeon and landscaper so there will be tree trunks and slices representing him.

Colour Scheme/Theme: blush pink, ivory, navy and mint green

How they met

So 12 years ago I was working as a waitress in our local pub – The White Horse in Netley Marsh. One day a new chef came in and it was Paddy!! After not believing that he hadn’t met me but my twin sister, he started to make me laugh. We got to know each other that year and after I went away skiing with family and friends for New Year we realised we missed each other, 11 ½ years later the rest is history!!

The proposal

In September 2014 we decided to go away on a nice holiday (we don’t get away much!) after taking some time to decide we booked 2 weeks in Mexico, Moon Palace resort in Cancun. It was amazing, OMG we got engaged!! Months leading up to the proposal Paddy had decided he would pop the question sometime soon and asked a friend to make the ring (it’s lovely!!) He wasn’t quite sure how he was going to ask and a few different ideas came to mind. With Paddy not being the most romantic it has made for a story!! Of all the places in the resort, romantic beach meal for two, sunset stroll along the beach, the list could go on! Paddy decided he would take the ring inside his shorts to the spa for a couple’s massage we had planned. After putting on his disposable pants and falling asleep within 60seconds he woke to remember his task! Paddy got down on one knee and put the ring under the head hole of the massage coach, with my eyes closed I didn’t manage to see the diamond he was flashing until he poked me in the back. He didn’t even manage to ask the question other than ‘well then….?’ Not being one to presume I asked ‘what?’ and eventually asking me to marry him, of course I said yes. After he jumped back on the coach he continued to snore for the next hour, whilst I had time to keep peeking at the ring which was now on my finger!

The wedding

As we have been together for 11 years and want a more personal touch to our wedding we decided to arrange to meet a celebrant. Jenny she will be taking our day and going through our story. Although the barn is licensed we feel it will be more interesting for our guests. We have chosen to take the empty barn option meaning we need to light and decorate and as the barn doesn’t come with furniture we are deciding on this too. We quite like long wooden tables and chairs/benches, this will keep in with the rustic theme of the day.
We have chosen to have a relaxed BBQ with our close family and friends which will be a day in true Paddy and Jo style. We are currently looking for a singer to bring out a slight summer festival vibe.
Fingers crossed the weather will be good so we can set up an area for lawn games, there is likely to be a large number of children so it will also help keep them entertained. Giant Jenga, corn hole (we call this bag go), hessian sack race, noughts and crosses etc.
After the evening has finished in the barn at midnight most of our friends will be staying on site and Glamping. The venue has agreed a fire pit which will be ready for us to sit around on hay bales and carry on until the birds start singing!!
So far we have aimed to get the larger bits completed and ticked off the ever growing list. With the venue only booked in December we made a rapid start on the rest! Other bits sorted are Wedding dress, bridesmaid dresses, DJ, photographer and catering.
We still have plenty to organise with invites next on the list.

Thank you for taking the time to read our first blog, we hope you’ve enjoyed reading our story and look forward to our entries along the way.

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